Chapter 18: The Day Before Naruto and Hinata's Wedding
The video opened with Konohamaru holding a camcorder, recording everyone's heartfelt blessings for Naruto and Hinata's wedding. The video would be compiled as a gift for the couple.
Sakura and Sai waved at the camera with bright smiles.
Sakura & Sai: "Naruto, Hinata, congratulations on your marriage!"
Guy, Lee, and Tenten also shared their blessings on camera. At the same time, Lee took out Neji's ashes, and Might Guy grabbed a handful and tossed them into the air—so Neji could "participate" in spirit.
Hyuga Neji: "?"
Hiashi's Brother: "Big Brother..."
Hiashi: "..."
Hinata: "Neji-nii..."
Hiashi's Brother: "Big Brother, you didn't protect Neji..."
Hiashi: "This is the future. I won't let history repeat itself. Trust me."
Boruto: "So... this is Uncle Neji?"
Hinata: "Boruto... how did Neji-niisan... die?"
Boruto: "Sorry, Mom... All I can say is, it had nothing to do with Grandpa. I can't tell you more."
Tenten: "Neji..."
Lee: "Neji, as my eternal rival, don't fall so easily!"
Neji: "Just watch the video."
---
The video continued with well-wishes from Naruto's peers, teachers, and classmates from the Ninja Academy.
Even Ichiraku Ramen's owner, Teuchi—suspected to be an Otsutsuki—and his daughter sent their congratulations.
The screen shifted again.
Kurenai appeared holding a portrait of the late Asuma Sarutobi. Sitting beside her was a cute little girl, both offering blessings to the newlyweds.
Asuma: "?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "?"
Kurenai: "Asuma..."
Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino (in unison): "Sensei!"
Onoki: "Yo! Is this a wedding or a funeral?"
Hiruzen: "You old fool! Shut your mouth!"
Onoki: "Why so angry?"
Hiruzen: "Easy for you to say—it's not your son who died!"
Onoki: "Well... he's not dead yet, right?"
---
Shikamaru (analyzing):
"The girl in the video looks about two years old, so Asuma-sensei likely died about three years before Naruto's wedding.
Konohamaru appears to be around 15 in the video. He's only 9 right now.
That means Asuma-sensei probably passed away when Konohamaru was around 12 to 15.
So Naruto got married when he was about 19..."
Shikamaru: "Damn it! What am I even saying right now? Not enough clues—this is still too vague!"
Asuma: "Shikamaru, calm down. I'm not dead yet, right? At least now I know what might happen. I'll just be more careful from now on. And with this sky screen, maybe we'll learn how and why I die."
Ino: "Yeah, Shikamaru! Don't get so worked up. This isn't like you!"
Choji: "Take a breath, man!"
Shikamaru: "Sorry... Asuma-sensei..."
Tobirama: "A Nara clan member? Amazing analysis with such little information—truly impressive."
Mei Terumi: "Konoha sure produces some exceptional talent."
---
The video resumed.
Gaara sat in the Kazekage's office with Temari and Kankuro at his side, delivering their blessings.
Then came the Five Kage: the Third Tsuchikage, the Fourth Raikage, the Fifth Mizukage, and even Killer Bee, the Jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails—all offering their congratulations.
The final message came from the Sixth Hokage: Kakashi Hatake.
Kakashi sat in the Hokage's office, resting his chin on his hand as he softly spoke:
Kakashi: "Naruto, Hinata, congratulations. I wish you both a lifetime of mutual support and happiness."
Obito: "Give it back! Kakashi—what happened to the Sharingan I gave you?!"
Obito: "Where's my eye?! Answer me!"
Kakashi: "Obito... I don't know what happens in the future either. Let's hope the sky screen reveals it someday."
---
The last message came from Iruka Umino, Naruto's first light in the darkness.
He stood outside the Ninja Academy, voice trembling slightly:
Iruka: "Naruto, Hinata—congratulations on your marriage. Hinata, Naruto can be reckless and impulsive, but he needs your guidance. I'm counting on you to take care of him."
Iruka bowed deeply to the camera.
Then, suddenly, his tone shifted to a scolding one:
Iruka: "Naruto! I won't say much to you—just make sure you make Hinata happy! Or else you'll have to answer to me!"
Konohamaru (grinning): "Perfect! That was amazing, Iruka-sensei!"
Iruka wiped the sweat from his forehead and let out a relieved sigh:
Iruka: "Finally got it done right."
Naruto: "Iruka-sensei!"
Iruka: "Naruto!"
---
Onoki: "So wait, are we really all this friendly in the future?"
Mei Terumi: "It seems like it's all thanks to that Naruto kid."
Fourth Raikage: "Is peace in the shinobi world really possible?"
Madara: "Hmph! This is false peace! You're all just scared of that brat's strength. That's why no one dares cause trouble."
Nagato (Pain): "Those who haven't experienced true pain can't understand real peace.
In this cursed world, true peace doesn't exist.
I will lead everyone to real peace!"
Jiraiya: "Nagato, you're being too extreme. Let it go."
Nagato: "Jiraiya-sensei, you've never lived through my pain—you can't understand!"
Naruto: "And who are you to say this peace is fake?! What makes you think your version isn't?"
Madara: "Foolish brat. Naïve."
Adult Sasuke: "Some people are even more naïve and foolish."
Madara: "What did you just say, boy?"
Madara: "You want to dance with me too?"
Adult Sasuke: "A dead man like you should stay quiet."
Madara: "Fugaku, this is the brat you raised?"
Fugaku: "Sorry, old ancestor... I died young."
Adult Sasuke: "Old dog, who are you barking at?"
Adult Sasuke: "Dead men shouldn't preach!"
Madara: "Very well! I'll remember you, Sasuke Uchiha!"
Itachi: "Maybe I should test how heavy the role of 'Shinobi Shura' truly is."